A traveling exhibit of contemporary Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions from the Upper Midwest (North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan).

Featuring 55 works by 24 contemporary artists whose practices are informed by Nordic traditional skills, the exhibition showcases the malleability and persistence of these traditions in the U.S.

These works explore themes of identity and how traditions have been shaped by their U.S.-based environments.

Nordic Echoes: Tradition in Contemporary Art, is a program of the American-Scandinavian Foundation with the support, in part, from The National Endowment for the Arts and the following ASF Funds: The Bonnier Family Fund for Contemporary Art, The F. Donald Kenney Fund for the Visual Arts, and The Centennial/Second Century Fund. Mid-America Arts Alliance/Exhibits USA is facilitating the Upper Midwest exhibition tour, which is supported by Margaret Cargill Philanthropies, a generous contributor to the exhibition’s development.

This exhibit at Vesterheim is supported by a generous gift to the annual fund from Dr. James and Christine Tuve Burris.

…

Join Vesterheim Folk Art School from anywhere in the world to learn about rosemaling (Norwegian rose painting) on dala horses! This is a course that is for families and can be accessed throughout the month. Instructor Rachael Saum brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to this course.

…

Join Vesterheim Folk Art School from anywhere in the world to learn about the decorative  Norwegian carvings on the Tylldal Chair in this Cultural Connections webinar. Instructor Lara Reisigl Domeneghetti brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to this webinar.

…

Join Vesterheim Folk Art School from anywhere in the world to learn tapestry weaving. Instructor Laura Berlage brings a wealth of knowledge to this class.

…

Join Vesterheim Folk Art School from anywhere in the world to learn about the Alpine Brettstuhl through the Cultural Connections webinar. Instructor Charles Thompson is a woodworker and chair maker who brings a wealth of knowledge to this webinar.

…

Join Vesterheim Folk Art School from anywhere in the world to learn the Norwegian art of kolrosing or incising decorative designs into wood. Instructor Darlene Fossum-Martin brings her years of experience and skill to this class.

…

Join Vesterheim Folk Art School from anywhere in the world to learn about dyeing fibers with lichen. Instructor Jane Addams brings a wealth of knowledge to this webinar.

Schedule: New Date

Saturday, June 20 (10:00-11:00 am CT).

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn how to dye with lichen. Instructor Jane Addams has a wealth of fiber arts knowledge which she brings to this class.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn to rosemaling (Norwegian rose painting) in the Os style. Instructor Nancy Schmidt is a Vesterheim Gold Medalist with many years of teaching experience and a wealth of knowledge.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn how to make a prehistoric bow like one found in the peat bogs of Denmark. Instructor Steve Daughton is a woodworker and lifelong archer who brings a wealth of knowledge to this course.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn the fundamentals of floor loom weaving. Instructors Laura Demuth and Sheila Oberreuter bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to this class.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn to forge your own kitchen utensils out of copper and steel. Instructor Elizabeth Belz owns her own forge and is a knowledgable instructor.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn the basics of woodcarving. Instructor Alex Clarke was an apprentice under Fred Livesay, and has been teaching her own classes. She has years of experience working with wood.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn traditional Viksdal rosemaling techniques. Instructor Cathy Castellanos is herself a rosemaler with many years of knowledge and teaching experience.

…

Visit scenic Decorah, Iowa to learn metalworking and forging of a Viking flint striker.  Instructor Tom Latané is a knowledgable and fascinating instructor.

…